mierda
/ˈmjeɾda/
The English phrase 'merde' is translated into Spanish as mierda.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmjeɾda/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the phrase mucha mierda is a traditional way to wish a performer 'good luck' before a show, similar to the English expression 'break a leg'.
- While mierda is vulgar, Spanish speakers sometimes use the euphemism miércoles (meaning 'Wednesday') because it starts with the same sound and softens the blow.
- Although it sounds quite vulgar today, the English word 'merd' was once a legitimate, though obsolete, cognate of the Spanish mierda.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué mierda de coche!What a piece of shit car!
- Todo esto es una mierda.This is all a load of shit.
- Me importa una mierda.I don't give a damn.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are looking at a broken appliance.
- AlejandroEsta lavadora es una mierda.This washing machine is shit.
- ElenaLo siento, Alejandro, es muy vieja.I'm sorry, Alejandro, it is very old.
- Alejandro¡Es una mierda de máquina!It's a shit machine!
- ElenaNo te enfades tanto.Don't get so angry.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mierda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mierda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
